President Obama announced his nomination for the Supreme Court yesterday. He chose Judge Sonia Sotomayor. Judge Sotomayor’s early years were quite humbling. She lived in the South Bronx in the inner city in the Bronxdale Housing projects; her father died before she reached her teens, and her mother struggled to raise her and her brother. The odds of her graduating from high school were pretty low. Graduating from Princeton University at the top of her class would not even seem statistically probable. Betting on a Puerto Rican girl from the South Bronx becoming a judge who is up for nomination to the US Supreme Court might certainly seem like a shoo-in for the opposer. However, Judge Sotomayor didn’t concern herself with the odds that were stacked against her, she focused on her goals. I doubt that her goal was to become the first Hispanic appointed to the US Supreme Court, but as she worked on the dream of becoming a judge, her expectations and her options changed.
Our purpose is often beyond the realm of what we can imagine, dream or expect. As such, we have to strive for excellence in everything that we do. When we do our best and reach the goals that we have set for ourselves, we have to take a brief moment to reflect with humility on who we were and where we came from, to celebrate who we have become and where we are, then we must look ahead to see who we were born to be and what we have to do to get there. With each step the path gets a little clearer, but clarity is not to be confused with easy or less intricate. The path ahead is never straight, there are always twists and turns and forks in the road that call on us to make the right decisions and choices.
Long ago, when she was a young girl living in a poverty stricken environment, Judge Sotomayor decided that she wanted something better for her future. She found a goal and a dream that she was willing to work towards with a commitment that spanned decades. She did the hard work from day one. She strived for excellence in education. She understood that education was her way out of her situation. Although it wasn’t easy, she chose the path of “excellence”, not the path of “average.”
What she did yesterday matters more today than she could ever have imagined. Her choices, relationships, words, and actions will come under full public scrutiny. Every paper she has ever written, every judgment she has rendered and every aspect of her life will be dissected in search of the “real” Sonia Sotomayor. It's my guess that we've already met her.
Now ask yourself this question: If I were granted such an honor, would the decisions and choices that I have made over time ruin my chances?
Live your life in such a way that when all of your hard work leads you to a path more intricate than you could ever have imagined, no one or nothing, can stand in your way.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Play Your Position
In some way we can all relate to the feeling of being reluctant to trust others with something that is precious to us. Whether it is a child, a pet, a material possession, or an idea, each of us, young or old, has had the experience at some time or another. I think it’s important for all of us to retrain ourselves to trust others to help us navigate through life because no one is equipped to get through it alone. Now, I am not suggesting that you leave your child or pet in the care of a stranger without employing the necessary screening process; nor do I endorse giving the car keys of your 2010 vehicle to your teenager who has just passed the road test. However, in order for your ideas and dreams to come to life, you will need the help of others.
All too often we try and do too much because we don’t think that other people can do it as well as we can, or we think they won’t have the same level of enthusiasm as we do, or that somehow, they will be unable to understand or interpret our intent. For some, it’s something a little more problematic—the fear that the credit will go to someone else. Leadership guru John C. Maxwell said it best: “One is too small a number to achieve greatness.” Let it go…even a brain surgeon has a team. When you want to accomplish something of importance, don’t let your ego get in the way. Maxwell also tells us that “The goal is more important than the role.”
Think about this: The New York Yankees are one of the best teams in the major leagues. Year after year they are considered the team to beat. They have some of the best players in the league including Mariano Rivera. Mariano Rivera is the team’s closer. If it’s the bottom of the eighth and the Yankees have the lead, the last thing that the opposing team wants to see is Mariano Rivera stepping up to the pitchers mound. Teams know that their chances of scoring when he’s pitching are slim to none. However, you won’t see Mariano pitching in the first inning and if he steps up to bat, no one is expecting much. There are others on the team who are counted on to fill those shoes. The point here is it takes collaboration to get the win.
Find out where you fit on the team and play your position to the greatest of your abilities. For through your actions others can be inspired to be and do their best. Remember, some will hit, some will bunt, some will walk, some will strike out, but it is the team approach that will carry each of us to victory.
All too often we try and do too much because we don’t think that other people can do it as well as we can, or we think they won’t have the same level of enthusiasm as we do, or that somehow, they will be unable to understand or interpret our intent. For some, it’s something a little more problematic—the fear that the credit will go to someone else. Leadership guru John C. Maxwell said it best: “One is too small a number to achieve greatness.” Let it go…even a brain surgeon has a team. When you want to accomplish something of importance, don’t let your ego get in the way. Maxwell also tells us that “The goal is more important than the role.”
Think about this: The New York Yankees are one of the best teams in the major leagues. Year after year they are considered the team to beat. They have some of the best players in the league including Mariano Rivera. Mariano Rivera is the team’s closer. If it’s the bottom of the eighth and the Yankees have the lead, the last thing that the opposing team wants to see is Mariano Rivera stepping up to the pitchers mound. Teams know that their chances of scoring when he’s pitching are slim to none. However, you won’t see Mariano pitching in the first inning and if he steps up to bat, no one is expecting much. There are others on the team who are counted on to fill those shoes. The point here is it takes collaboration to get the win.
Find out where you fit on the team and play your position to the greatest of your abilities. For through your actions others can be inspired to be and do their best. Remember, some will hit, some will bunt, some will walk, some will strike out, but it is the team approach that will carry each of us to victory.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Lights...Camera...ACTION
It’s easy to get so consumed with our own challenges and setbacks that we forget to take the time to help those around us. Likewise, we can get so caught up in our dreams, aspirations and triumphs that we miss the opportunity to encourage and support the people we care about. When I stop to think about it, the amount of times that someone has encouraged me with their words or actions is immeasurable. Sometimes it made a difference in my day, others, a difference in my life.
It’s ok to focus on you but it’s just as important to step out of the spotlight from time to time and see who’s working the equipment. There are many co-stars, stagehands, and extras in this production called life and each of us can appreciate a little pat on the back from time to time. When we start to focus on someone or something other than ourselves, we become better for it. For even the smallest of deeds carried out in sincerity result in some form of personal growth. This growth occurs despite the fact that the gesture was selfless and without expectation.
So for the remainder of the week here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to pay close attention to those around me (strangers, acquaintances, friends, and relatives). Every day I am going to tell a different person something positive that I may have thought but didn’t say clearly or often enough. It might be as simple as “I love you” or as difficult as “I forgive you.” It might be as quick as “love your lipstick” or “that’s a really nice tie” as I carry out my daily routine. I’m going to help someone see their greatness by telling them what I see when I point the spotlight in their direction. For the rest of this week, I’m going to look for opportunities to say “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong.” I’m going to give out more hugs this week than usual and spare some change to those who appear less fortunate without questioning their motive. I’m going to make a few calls just to say “hello” instead of using the new and impersonal means of communication. I’m also going to say “thank you” to some of the difference makers in my life. This week, I’m going to encourage someone to dream or not to give up on a dream. It would be great if all who read the blog would do the same. Are you in?
It’s ok to focus on you but it’s just as important to step out of the spotlight from time to time and see who’s working the equipment. There are many co-stars, stagehands, and extras in this production called life and each of us can appreciate a little pat on the back from time to time. When we start to focus on someone or something other than ourselves, we become better for it. For even the smallest of deeds carried out in sincerity result in some form of personal growth. This growth occurs despite the fact that the gesture was selfless and without expectation.
So for the remainder of the week here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to pay close attention to those around me (strangers, acquaintances, friends, and relatives). Every day I am going to tell a different person something positive that I may have thought but didn’t say clearly or often enough. It might be as simple as “I love you” or as difficult as “I forgive you.” It might be as quick as “love your lipstick” or “that’s a really nice tie” as I carry out my daily routine. I’m going to help someone see their greatness by telling them what I see when I point the spotlight in their direction. For the rest of this week, I’m going to look for opportunities to say “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong.” I’m going to give out more hugs this week than usual and spare some change to those who appear less fortunate without questioning their motive. I’m going to make a few calls just to say “hello” instead of using the new and impersonal means of communication. I’m also going to say “thank you” to some of the difference makers in my life. This week, I’m going to encourage someone to dream or not to give up on a dream. It would be great if all who read the blog would do the same. Are you in?
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